This $33 serum has been Korea’s favourite for over 7 years. Here’s why.
Juna Xu is a freelance writer and journalist with over 11 years of experience covering beauty, fashion, lifestyle, interiors and health. Her work has appeared in publications including Adore Beauty, Body+Soul, Mamamia, News.com.au, Who, marie claire and ELLE Australia. Alongside running her own e-commerce interiors business, Juna has a not-so-secret obsession with skincare (especially K-beauty, which she proudly admits is her ultimate addiction).
As someone who has been obsessed with Korean beauty for over 15 years (to the point where I’ve now made it my job to test and review K-beauty products), I know just how competitive the industry is. One minute, snail mucin is the most innovative ingredient, the next it’s PDRN, then suddenly it’s exosomes.
Not to mention, every day there seems to be a new product topping the charts or going viral online.
Even I find it a nightmare to keep up with it all.
So when a product stays popular for years in Korea’s ultra-competitive beauty market, it’s usually for one simple reason: it’s genuinely incredible.
Exhibit A: the Torriden DIVE-IN Hyaluronic Acid Serum.
ICYMI, this lightweight serum has been one of South Korea’s most loved hydration products for over seven years! To emphasise just how popular it is, the serum consistently ranks among the top-selling skincare products on Olive Young (Korea’s biggest beauty retailer) and regularly scores highly on Hwahae, the country’s hugely influential beauty app where millions of users review and rank products.
Closer to home, it’s also one of the products that frequently sells out on Adore Beauty (especially during sale periods).
In other words, it’s a *massive* deal.
As someone who has been using this serum since it first launched in Korea, here’s everything you need to know.
@jasminnlily_ glass skin with 2 products 🩵 @torriden_official ad #glasskin #koreanskincare #skincaretips @TORRIDEN US ♬ marys_theme.mp4 - joanna sui
OK, Why Is It So Popular?
In K-beauty, gentle hydration is everything. Rather than relying on heavy creams or harsh actives, Korean skincare focuses on layering lightweight products that deeply hydrate the skin while supporting the skin barrier.
And the Torriden DIVE-IN Serum fits perfectly into that philosophy.
The formula contains five types of hyaluronic acid, which work at different depths in the skin to attract and hold moisture.
What you get is skin that feels instantly plumper and far more hydrated, without any heaviness or stickiness.
My Torriden DIVE-IN Serum Review.
I get it — there are a lot of hyaluronic acid serums on the market. So what makes this one stand out?
Speaking from experience as a beauty writer who tests hundreds of products every year, some hyaluronic acid serums can feel slightly tacky or sit on the skin. This one, well, doesn’t.
The texture is silky, watery and incredibly lightweight, which makes it perfect for layering (and we all know this is something Korean skincare routines are built around). It sinks in almost immediately, sits beautifully under moisturiser and makeup, and works well alongside just about any other skincare ingredient.
Another reason I and millions of others adore this serum is because of its skin-loving formula.
Alongside hyaluronic acid, it also contains soothing ingredients like panthenol, allantoin and madecassoside, which all help calm irritation, promote healing and repair, and support the skin barrier.
That makes it a great option for dehydrated skin, sensitive skin, compromised skin barriers, or anyone dealing with tight, thirsty skin. (As someone with hyper-sensitive skin, this serum has honestly been a godsend.)
You can use it on its own for a simple boost of hydration, or layer it with other ingredients depending on how dehydrated your skin feels.
It also works year-round, being lightweight enough for hot, humid summers, yet hydrating enough to support the skin barrier during colder months when dryness and flakiness tend to creep in.
If you’re looking to add one simple hydration step to your routine, this serum is the easiest place to start.
Final Verdict:
I’ve honestly lost count of how many hydrating serums — both Western and Korean — I’ve tried over the years. But if I had to pick one that has truly stood out (and one I’ve repeatedly repurchased), it would, of course, be the Torriden DIVE-IN Serum.
It hydrates deeply, layers beautifully with the rest of my skincare, and feels incredibly comfortable on my very sensitive skin. Plus, it’s only $33, which is surprisingly affordable for a formula this good.
The formula may seem simple at first glance, but it’s thoughtfully designed in a way that just works.
Safe to say, I’m rating it a solid GOAT/10.
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